Induction Heating System with Machine-Readable Temperature Tag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for heating biological samples in containers are slow, uncontrollable, and prone to contamination, with limited temperature control and monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating system comprising a container with a heating element and a machine-readable temperature-dependent tag, an interrogator to determine the substance's temperature, and a controller to adjust the heating based on the tag's data, ensuring precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water bath heating is used, then heating can be applied to samples, but heating speed is slow and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical water bath heating system with an induction heating system. The induction heater generates an alternating magnetic field that directly induces eddy currents in the heating element, producing heat rapidly without mechanical contact. This eliminates the need for water baths, significantly increasing heating speed while eliminating contamination risks associated with water exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heating element as an intermediary component between the induction heater and the sample. The heating element is in thermal contact with the sample and is heated by the induction field, then transfers heat to the sample. This intermediary approach allows for rapid heating while maintaining control and preventing direct exposure of samples to potential contaminants.
2Productivity
If resistive heating elements are formed in vial bases, then heating can be achieved, but temperature control precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors monitor the sample temperature in real-time, and this temperature information is fed back to the controller. The controller adjusts the induction heating power accordingly to maintain the desired temperature setpoint, achieving precise temperature control. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the temperature control limitations of simple resistive heating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heating system with integrated temperature sensing and control provides multi-functional capability: it can heat samples rapidly, monitor temperature precisely, and control heating power dynamically. This universal system replaces simple resistive heating elements, offering both high heating capability and precise temperature control through integrated design.
3Productivity
If water baths are used for heating, then heating can be applied, but individual sample temperature monitoring is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating and monitoring system at the individual sample level. Each sample container is equipped with its own temperature sensor and heating element, allowing independent temperature monitoring and control for each sample. This segmentation enables precise measurement of individual sample temperatures while maintaining the heating function, eliminating the limitation of water bath systems where only bulk temperature can be monitored.
4Productivity
If existing heating systems are used, then heating can be performed, but heating process is uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the induction heating process through a controller that can adjust heating power in real-time based on feedback from temperature sensors. The system can dynamically respond to changing thermal conditions, adjust heating rates, and maintain precise temperature control. This dynamic control capability transforms the uncontrollable heating process into a precisely manageable operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides rapid, accurate, and controlled heating of biological samples, minimizing contamination risks and allowing for precise temperature monitoring and control.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heater for generating an AC magnetic field to heat the heating element
Implementation Method 2
a heating element in thermal contact with the substance
Implementation Method 3
the temperature-dependant characteristic is a shift in resonant frequency of the resonant member as a function of temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating system including a container for storing a substance; a heating element in thermal contact with the substance; a machine readable tag in thermal contact with the substance, the tag having a machine readable temperature-dependant characteristic; an interrogator for reading the temperature-dependant characteristic of the tag and for determining the current temperature of the substance; an induction heater for generating an AC magnetic field to heat the heating element; and a heater controller for controlling operation of the induction heater, in response to the substance temperature determined by the interrogator, to heat the substance.